Old San Pedro Mountain Road

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is an area within a network of trails that provides amazing views of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and Highway 1. Most of the trail is exposed to sunlight (sunblock is recommended on the sunny days and be sure to bring water), dogs are allowed on leash, and there's plenty of elevation gain/loss to keep things interesting! There are some flatter trails and some that go all the way to the top Pt. Montara.

Starting at the beginning, the trail starts as a dirt path that navigates its way up the hills. It's thoroughly exposed the entire time. You'll encounter coastal shrubs and grasses with no trees really. Around mile two, the dirt trail turns into more of an old access road with some small rocks and hard-packed dirt. Here is where the serious incline begins and continues until about mile five. The trail stays like this until you reach mile five, where it flattens out (by this point you've reached the top of the ridge basically).

You'll have views of the entire coastline, San Franciso, Pacifica, Montara, and Moss Beach. Bring plenty of water and a snack for the top, as you'll want to soak up the view for a while.